Brains On! Science podcast for kids

How do satellites work?

Mar 5, 2024

Learn how satellites work as Molly and her co-hosts delve into satellite solar panels, thrusters, and radio waves. Dr. Moriba Jah explains space junk hazards. Don't miss the mystery sound reveal and explore the importance of keeping space clean!

24:45

Episode guests

Moriba Jah

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Satellites are essential for GPS and weather tracking, as well as capturing images of outer space.

The increasing satellite population in space poses challenges like space debris, requiring solutions for maintaining space cleanliness.

Deep dives

Satellites and Their Functions

Satellites are machines in space that help humans by tracking weather, aiding navigation systems like GPS, and capturing images of outer space. They are solar-powered and equipped with temperature control systems and thrusters to adjust their attitude. Tessa and Fallon from (Location) were curious about satellites after observing GPS technology in their mom's car.

Introduction

2min

Exploring Satellites and Space Adventures

5min

Exploration of Satellite Communication and Functions

1min

Mechanical Communication and Carburetor Conversations

2min

Guessing a Concept with Analogies to Transportation

2min

Welcoming Aliens and Sharing Experiences

2min

Teaching Kids About Money & Exploring the World of Satellites

2min

Satellites, Space Junk, and Earth's Beauty

6min

Exploring Satellite Functionality and Space Junk Cleanup Efforts

2min

10.

Mystery Sound Revealed: The Singing Bridge

3min

Satellites are like robots in the sky: they monitor the weather, make GPS possible, and take stunning pictures of outer space! But how exactly do they work? When a satellite named Meep Moop gets delivered to Brains On HQ by mistake, Molly and co-hosts Tessa and Fallyn learn all about satellite solar panels, thrusters, and radio waves! Then, they chat with Dr. Moriba Jah about satellite space junk and the importance of keeping space pristine. Plus, a stumper of a mystery sound!

Featured expert:
Dr. Moriba Jah, space environmentalist and professor of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at The University of Texas at Austin. Find him on Instagram at @moribajah and Facebook @Moriba Kemessia Jah

Special thanks to:
Dr. David “Goldy” Goldstein, principal engineer, SpaceX; Colonel., U.S. Air Force, Ret.

Resources:
If you want to hear more about GPS, check out the Brains On episode How does GPS know where you are?

And if you’re curious to learn more about space junk, check out Satellite uses giant net to practice capturing space junk and the video Tracking space junk, both written and hosted by Loren Grush and produced by The Verge.

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This episode was sponsored by:

Sitka Seafood Market - Use promo code Molly35 to receive $35 off your first order.

Indeed - Use promo code brainson to receive a $75 sponsored job credit

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Brains On! Science podcast for kids

How do satellites work?

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Satellites and Their Functions

Impact of Satellites in Daily Life

Challenges with Satellite Overload and Solutions

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts